Barcelona team news: Lionel Messi returns to training ahead of Celta Vigo game after kidney surgery

Lionel Messi (left) is expected to be ready to play against Celta Vigo on SundayReuters

Barcelona manager Luis Enrique has received a major fitness boost ahead of the La Liga game against Celta Vigo on 14 February after Lionel Messi returned to training . The Argentina international's participation in the game had been under scrutiny after he was forced to undergo minor kidney surgery to solve the colic problems he had come down with in December 2015 – consequently missing the Copa del Rey 1-1 draw against Valencia as his side booked a place in the final following an 8-1 win on aggregate.

Messi is expected to be fit for the coming game against Celta Vigo after Barcelona announced via their website that the Argentine was back working with the first team.

"Lionel Messi, who missed training on Monday and Tuesday to undergo medical testing stemming from a kidney issue he experienced in December, was back out on the practice field," the club confirmed.

Prior to the Copa del Rey tie, Luis Enrique refused to set a deadline regarding the player's recovery. During the press conference ahead of that tie, when asked whether the Barcelona ace would be available to play that game or the La Liga encounter with Celta Vigo, he said: "The club have released a medical report explaining the situation. What happens next is Leo's business. I have no further comment to make."

The Barcelona manager took advantage of the 7-0 victory secured in the first leg to give a rest to the majority of his starters, including Neymar and Luis Suarez, while allowing the fringe players and a number of the youngsters to play.

The Catalans side, currently top of the La Liga table, host Celta Vigo and will aim to avenge their previous loss to the side in seventh place after Eduardo Berizzo's side beat them 4-1 in September 2015.